Tips for Writing a Novel

Chronicling one’s own life to turn into an autobiography or mulling over the idea of a science fantasy, whatever may be your genre, if you have not come up with the strategy to put it together, then this makes for the perfect read.

Writing is an art and an artistic mind is inclined to ‘go with the flow’. Nevertheless, a few tips on disciplining that art can also work wonders.

1. A Structure

Before starting out with the work on a novel, what you should have clearly drafted out is a character and a plot revolving around it. Every other element of drama can be built around them, but the structure needs to be determined first. So, just put down a rough sketch as to how the story would unfold, and then start writing.

2. The Haven

Writers need to have their own space and this should comprise more than the mechanical setting. Apart from a laptop or a typewriter, chair, table with pen and paper at place, one would also need the tranquillity. So have a little corner specified for the purpose. A study or even the garden, where you can let the artist roam and muse, will do.

3. Clock

While creativity and the result of it cannot be clocked, if you are working on a project, you may need to keep track of the time. Thus, create a routine for the work, chapter-wise or sequence-wise, and keep the creativity flowing too.

4. The Date

Sometimes putting a deadline on oneself can help. Writers could take years to finish a piece of work, but what if you have more than one idea in hand to pursue? Looking forward to a deadline can help you bring the novel under a leash.

5. A Second Read

A periodical review of your work can be of great assistance. It not only allows you to be a critic of your work, but adds new dimensions, not to forget the essential corrections that it enables. This should become an absolute must as part of the schedule.

6. Feedback

How about having a second opinion? It might seem like opening your cards too early but it sure gives a new perspective to the novel. One can always have a close friend or confidante comment on the work. Who knows! This might just help bring about the unknown nuances to the work.

However overwhelming a task it may be, writing a novel can certainly be simplified once a process is put to it. So, grab your pen or mouse, build the structure and schedule, and start writing!